SchneiderPeeps

... on a journey toward simple living.

  • About
    • Affiliates and Disclosure
  • Products
    • {Stepping Stones} Simple Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
    • The Gardening Note Book
    • The Wellness Notebook
    • The Busy Mom’s Guide
    • Hope – Thriving While Unemployed
    • Ecourse Login
    • Affiliate Resources
  • Blog
  • The Kitchen
    • Recipes
    • Preserving Food
    • Tips
  • The Garden
    • Vegetables
    • Tips
    • Fruits
    • Herbs
    • Tours
    • Birds and Bees
  • The Apothecary
    • Aromatherapy
    • Herbs
  • The Craft Room
    • Crafts
    • Sewing
  • The Home
    • Book Reviews
    • Tips and Projects
    • Homeschool
    • Daily Life
Home » Meaningful and Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Meaningful and Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

December 2, 2015 By Angi Schneider 10 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. Thank you for supporting this site.

Inexpensive gifts CAN be meaningful, in fact, they are often more meaningful since they are often made by the giver. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite inexpensive Christmas gifts that cost a dollar or less to make.

image of gifts wrapped in brown paper with twine and string

For many years our family lived at or below the poverty level. Carl, my husband, was in school (university and Seminary) for the first ten years of our marriage.Then from 2008-2012 Carl, who is our main breadwinner, didn’t have a full-time job; he worked several part-time jobs concurrently.

Now, I don’t say this so you can feel sorry for us; these were amazing years. In fact, we wrote a book about our four year unemployment season and how we actually thrived during it. 

I’m telling you this because I really want to give you perspective for this post. There were many years when $5 might have well have been $500. We just didn’t have it.

We could have just opted out of Christmas and our family would have totally understood. We have a really great family like that. But we want our children to be givers and not just receivers and we wanted them to see their parents be givers and not just receivers. So we had to get creative. 

I wonder how many people opt out of Christmas because they don’t have any extra money? It makes me sad because our focus on gift giving has gotten way off track.

So, I went hunting for gifts that could be made for a dollar or less. For some of these things you might need tools or need to buy something that will make more than one item. But, for the most part, each item is made with supplies that cost less than a dollar. 

image of wooden sign this looks like a clock and says "Faith in God includes faith in his timing."

One year our older daughter made painted little wood signs for everyone. This one is mine. She used acrylic paint, thin craft plywood and tulle ribbon.

image of earring holder made out of a picture frame and chicken wire

This wasn’t a gift but I think it would make a nice gift. This is what my daughter hangs her earrings and necklaces on; a thrifted frame with chicken wire attached to the back (she used a staple gun) and a wire across the bottom for necklaces. You could also use a piece of burlap instead of chicken wire.

image of sign that has the last name Schneider on it.

I just love this sign. I made them for each couple in our family a couple of years ago after seeing this idea for a JOY sign from An Oregon Cottage.  I just used scrapbooking paper and printed out the letters on our computer. I got the frames from the thrift store and spray painted them.

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts that cost $1 or less

Inexpensive Christmas gifts can also be meaningful! Use this this to get idea for meaningful gifts that cost a dollar or less.

Silhouettes {a tutorial for a fun and inexpensive Christmas gift}

Making silhouettes is probably my favorite gift to make for parents and grandparents. They are always appreciated and are easy to make. Learn how to make silhouettes in with this easy tutorial.

Make Your Own Pick Up Sticks (plus game instructions)

Pick up sticks is a classic game that's fun for all ages. Learn how to make pick up sticks with this easy, step by step tutorial.

Pink Lemonade Herbal Bath Fizzy

Everyone deserves a long, soaking bath occasionally. Make this Pink Lemonade Herbal Bath Fizzy to treat your friends and family to an at home spa experience.

Fingerprint Art Bookmarks

Fingerprint art bookmarks are a great gift for little ones to make for their favorite big people. My children loved making these when they were little and were excited about having a gift they made to give to others.

Finger Twister...with game instructions

Finger twister is a tabletop take on the classic full body game. Learn how to make and play finger twister in this step by step tutorial.

Making Bath Bombs – Lessons from a Beginner

Photo Credit: rootsy.org

Bath bombs make a great gift and are easy to make. These tips for making bath bombs will help you make bath bombs batch after batch.

a little cozy goes a long way (and a hand warmer DIY)

Photo Credit: raeannkelly.com

Handwarmers are a welcome gift during the winter months and are a great way to use up fabric scraps.

Quick and Easy Burlap Coasters

Photo Credit: timbercreekfarmer.com

Burlap coasters make a fun and unique gift. Use scraps or burlap ribbon that's been bought on sale.

The Leather Cuff tutorial

Photo Credit: www.the-red-kitchen.com

If you have access to inexpensive leather or leather scraps, leather cuffs make a fun gift for men or women.

Make a Natural Car Air Freshener

Photo Credit: brownthumbmama.com

A set of natural air fresheners for the car is a great gift for almost anyone - after all, who doesn't want a great smelling car?

Homemade Holidays – Birdseed Ornaments

Photo Credit: www.thecapecoop.com

Birdseed ornaments are a fun gift for a bird lover of any age! You can make a lot of these with just a few ingredients.

Linen Bread Bags: The Trick to Store Homemade Bread Longer

Photo Credit: www.attainable-sustainable.net

I love these homemade bread bags. They're perfect for storing homemade bread and keeping it fresh longer.

Farm House Washcloth Crochet Pattern

Photo Credit: www.mamainastitch.com

If you crochet, handmade wash cloths are a good way to use your skill to bless others. I've had a couple of friends crochet washcloths for me and I love them so very much.

How to Make Homemade Extracts - Vanilla, Lemon and Almond

Photo Credit: commonsensehome.com

Gifts for the pantry are always welcome and extracts are especially welcome since they're quite expensive to buy.

Recipe Ring Gift Idea

Photo Credit: doitandhow.com

This is such a great idea for someone who is just learning to cook or if you have family heirloom recipes you want to pass down to the next generation.

Mason Jar Cozies {Hello Summer}

Photo Credit: www.iheartnaptime.net

Mason jars can be used for hot or cold drinks and I often wish I had a cozy for them. I bet other people do too! This is a perfect craft to use up fabric scraps.

Felt Crayon Holder

Photo Credit: www.skiptomylou.org

Felt is very inexpensive and can be sewn with a machine or by hand. You can make this crayon holder in no time at all.

Simple and cute button bookmarks

Photo Credit: www.iheartnaptime.net

Break out the button jar and embellish colored paper clips for a unique gift. This is a good gift for a child to make with just a bit of supervision.

Dollar Store Craft {Neon Wood Painted Earrings}

Photo Credit: www.thecraftedsparrow.com

These earrings were made with dollar store earrings, but you could use earring hooks and wooden beads from the jewelry section of your local craft store to make them.

You can find more gifts that cost a little more than a dollar on our Handmade Christmas page. 

A quick internet search will turn up some really amazing art made from pallets – everything from Welcome signs to tables. Free pallets are everywhere, just ask before taking one. 

image of a cribbage board made from a cedar tree log

If you have a drill press consider making a cribbage board. My son made these one year from a branch from a tree that needed to be cut down.

Homemade jams and jellies also make great, inexpensive Christmas gifts. If you need help with edible gift ideas you might consider Gift It From Scratch ebook. It’s full of great recipes and fun (and frugal) gift giving ideas. 

If you are struggling financially this Christmas, don’t opt out of Christmas and for goodness sake, don’t go into debt buying  things that people don’t really need or want. There are so many meaningful, inexpensive Christmas gifts that don’t cost much money that you can give to your loved ones. 

collage image of silhouette, pick up sticks, fabric gift bag, and bath salts for inexpensive Christmas gifts

Do you have a meaningful, inexpensive Christmas gift idea to share? Please leave a comment telling us about it. Feel free to leave a link to a tutorial. 

Thanks for sharing with your friends!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Yummly
  • Email

Filed Under: Crafts, In the Craft Room Tagged With: christmas

Comments

  1. Rhonda says

    December 5, 2015 at 9:25 am

    What an awesome post. Thank you for the direction and focus. Love you so dearly, Angi.

    Reply
    • Angi Schneider says

      December 6, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      Thanks so much Rhonda! I love this time of year and it makes me so sad to see people missing out because they think they have to spend, spend, spend.

      Reply
  2. Kelli says

    December 6, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    It was really inspirational to read about your financial struggles in terms of making meaningful, yet inexpensive, gifts as a way of being a good model for your kids. Being a “getter” often comes naturally but teaching kids to be givers regardless of circumstance changes them for the better. What you shared really struck a chord with me and I wanted to thank you for disclosing that personal bit of information on your blog!

    Reply
    • Angi Schneider says

      December 6, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Wow, thank you, Kelli. Your sweet words have really made my day. I really believe that children want to be givers, they just need to be allowed to do so.

      Reply
  3. Jen Keith says

    December 8, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Truly a fantastic post! This is the best one I’ve seen for homemade gifts because it’s great for all age levels and they are really good gifts. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angi Schneider says

      December 9, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Jen!

      Reply
  4. Sandra Abercrombie says

    August 19, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    I know it is only August but I am looking forward to the Christmas season, but I am worried also. This is my first year of retirement. I have enough to pay my bills and live comfortable but not a lot of extra. So I am worried about what I am going to do about Christmas gifts… This post has me thinking….. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Angi Schneider says

      August 20, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      Sandra, I totally understand and I’m glad this post helped you. Truly, I think we make gift giving a lot more complicated than it needs to be. I know your family and friends will feel your love come through with any gift you give them.

      Reply
  5. Kristi Stone says

    December 8, 2018 at 8:13 am

    I love this! I’m thinking that I will be making candles and soap for sure in 2019 to give for Christmas, and perhaps some crocheted washcloths to go with. I love your ideas so much, though, that I will be adding a few to the gift box, and perhaps wrap in kraft paper with nice ribbon, and a sprig of pine from our trees. There’s really not a lot at the store that people don’t seem to already buy for themselves, or the less expensive counterparts are not the model receivers want, etc. Thanks for these ideas! (coming here from your newsletter)

    Reply
    • Angi Schneider says

      December 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      Exactly! We live in a culture of such abundance and honestly people just buy what they want when they want or need it. I’m finding that people really appreciate more simple gifts that don’t add clutter to their lives. I’m hoping to learn to make soap soon. I have all the stuff, just haven’t done it. I even grew extra luffa this year thinking I would make soap with luffa in it for gifts. Good thing they don’t go bad. I hope you have a wonderfully simple Christmas and thanks for being a newsletter subscriber.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Grab my new book and start preserving the harvest!

Image of The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables book with jars of canned and fermented food.

Looking for Something?

Search for supplies

Copyright ©2011-2020 SchneiderPeeps
All content on this site is the property of Angi Schneider (SchneiderPeeps). Please do not use photos, text, or graphics without permission. That would be called stealing…and it’s not nice.

The views and opinions on this site are just that, our view and opinions. We are not health care providers, lawyers, financial specialists, or your mother. Please do your own research and be responsible for your own actions.

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission whenever a product is purchased through these links. Occasionally I receive products in exchange for a review or giveaway post.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You can see our full privacy policy here.

Featured On…

How to Preserve

Corn

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Zucchini

 

Copyright © 2021 SchneiderPeeps

This website occasionally uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Find out more.